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Senja - Island Auroras
Overview
Senja showcases many of Norway’s highlights and this 4-night break is designed to encapsulate them all. You’ll look out for an array of marine life during a boat tour and at night, you’ll search for the Northern Lights from a hot tub, Aurora Lighthouse and a snowshoe walk. All this with a fantastic mountainous fjord backdrop.
What's included?
ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES LISTED BELOW ARE INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE
- Transfers: arrival transfer from Bardufoss Airport; transfer to Finnsnes and Hurtigruten or Express Ferry ticket to Tromsø port; transfer to Tromsø Airport
- Accommodation: 3 nights one bedroom suite accommodation at Hamn i Senja, 1-night standard double/twin room at Clarion Hotel The Edge
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- The following activities and equipment are included: guided sightseeing, two visits to the Northern Lights Lighthouse, wildlife boat safari, snowshoe hike for the Northern Lights, one visit to the outdoor hot tub and sauna, Hurtigruten or Express Ferry transfer to Tromsø (order subject to change)
- Cold weather and protective clothing are included during activities at Senja
- Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities
To know Senja is to love Senja (or at least that’s the case in our office!). The small hotel of Hamn is set right on the harbour of a sheltered bay which eventually leads out to the vast Norwegian Sea. Regardless of when you visit, it is an idyllic and timeless setting with panoramic views of the harbour, which was used by fishermen for hundreds of years.
The location of the hotel, right on the water’s edge and away from almost all artificial light pollution, could not be better for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Sitting right in the heart of the Aurora Zone at a latitude of 69.41 degrees (anything north of 63/64 is normally considered in the zone), sometimes, you need do no more than just walk outside the hotel to see a display if the conditions are right.
During your two daytime activities, your guided walk and wildlife boat safari, an abundance of incredible animals can be spotted. These include the likes of seals, soaring eagles and other birdlife. If you are travelling from January onwards, there is also the chance that you may spot a whale during your boat trip, but this very much depends on where the vital herring travel. Sightings are not as common as they once were, so please do not expect a whale watching tour.
In contrast to the remote and peaceful setting of Hamn, the final day of your holiday sees you transported to the relative hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most northerly cities: Tromsø. You will arrive in style on the iconic coastal steamer Hurtigruten or via Express Ferry, before exploring the city at your own pace for the remainder of your stay. Tromsø needs no introduction to Aurora enthusiasts; it is regularly listed as one of the best places in the world as a base to see the Northern Lights.
What we like about Tromsø is that there is so much to see and do during the day. A particular favourite is the cable car. In just four minutes you find yourself at an altitude of 421 metres with views to rival the very best in the world. Where else can you see the urban sweep of Tromsø - “The Paris of the North” – fjords, mountains and dozens and dozens of archipelago islands fading gradually into the ocean from just one vantage point? The word spectacular can very often be used unjustifiably but when it comes to describing the views from the Storsteinen Mountain it is barely adequate.
Another favourite pastime is to visit Mack’s Ølbryggeri which is one of the world’s most northerly breweries (one opened in Ilulissat, Greenland in 2013 which was a mere 50 metres further north but pride of most northerly place goes to the brewery opened in Svalbard in 2015). We always recommend this place for a friendly welcome, fascinating history, the 67 different beers available and some delicious and reasonably priced food. The brewery runs daily tours at 15.30 for those wishing to enjoy the full beer appreciation experience.
© Hamn i Senja, Christine Matthews/Guest image/Hurtigruten, Reiner Schaufler, Cesar Martinez/Guest image/Hurtigruten, Rolf von Criegern/Guest image/Hurtigruten, www.Hurtigruten.co.uk
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Key facts
| Duration: | 4 nights |
| Pace: | Balanced |
Dates & Prices
Price Comparison Guarantee
Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing the Northern Lights. We’ve been running Aurora hunting holidays longer than any company in the UK and with no lead in prices, no hidden costs and more included, we’re confident our tours will come out on top.Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
Flights: please note that flights to Bardufoss are not included in the holiday price so that the best available fares and most appropriate schedules can be found for you at the time of booking. This route is served by both low-cost and scheduled airlines and our travel experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf. It is also possible to fly into Tromsø and Harstad/Narvik Airports (a transfer supplement would apply).
Activities: please note that if you are travelling early in the winter season and there is not enough snowfall, then some activities may be adapted by the local team, or alternatives provided, to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. For more information on this, please see our booking terms and conditions.
Prices
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Mon 01 Jan 2024
to Sat 27 Jan 2024 |
Adults £ 1,765 To £ 1,975 | |
|
Sun 28 Jan 2024
to Sun 31 Mar 2024 |
Adults £ 1,795 To £ 1,895 |
Prices are based on 2 people sharing. Please note that flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best possible fares and schedule can be found at the time of booking. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf.
Next season’s dates and prices
You can make a pre-reservation to secure your holiday at this stage by paying an initial deposit of only £50pp. The provisional departure dates, prices and itineraries remain subject to change. We will contact you when the final dates, prices and itineraries are confirmed, and you will have 14 days to decide if you would like to go ahead. You will then need to pay the remainder of your deposit (£350pp) to confirm your booking in full. If you decide not to travel, we will refund your initial £50pp payment. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with full terms and a complete quotation.
Please note: where listed in the What’s Included section, pre-sales prices include return UK flights.
Please note that the prices below are subject to change due to availability at the respective hotels; supplements may apply.
| Departure dates between | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Wed 01 Jan 2025
to Fri 31 Jan 2025 |
Adults £ 2,030 To £ 2,165 | |
|
Sat 01 Feb 2025
to Mon 31 Mar 2025 |
Adults £ 2,045 To £ 2,175 |
Terms
For our full booking terms and conditions please click here
The Specifics
Holiday group size (approximate)
Minimum 1, maximum 24 (approximately)
Group Size
We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.
Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.
Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate
Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.
Minimum and maximum age
If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.
Unless otherwise stated in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Aurora Zone holiday is typically 12 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com.
Itinerary amendments
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.
Medical History and Advice
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.
In order to give us the best possible chance to do this, we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.
In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.
Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.
Insurance
Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.
It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.
If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.
Booking Activities Locally
Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).
When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.
In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.
Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.
The UK Foreign Office Advice
Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice
We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.
The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade https://www.mfat.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.
If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.
If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.
If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.
Brexit information for British Passport holders
Information for British Passport Holders
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport and/or any required visas are up to date for your holiday. Please take special note of rules relating to passport validity as these have changed since Brexit. You can find more general advice from the UK government on their Passport rules for travel to Europe and then country specific advice on the Foreign Travel Advice page under the entry requirements section.
Please also check the UK Governments ‘Get Travel Smart’ campaign for up to date information on travel advice by country, information on Travel Insurance and information on how to renew your passport if required.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Passport rules for Travel to Europe after Brexit
The government have released the following guidance on passport validity for travel to Europe should the UK leave the EU without a deal. Please read the guidance on the link below carefully if you are travelling over or after the 29th March 2019.
Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation
On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.
Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.
Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer
If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.
If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.
Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.
Terms and Conditions
Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.theaurorazone.com/booking-conditions
Agenda
Agenda
-
DAY 1
Arrival, Welcome to Senja and Northern Lights Lighthouse
You will be met at Bardufoss Airport* and driven to your hotel on the north-west side of the island of Senja. It’s a journey of around 90 minutes and as you watch the islands and fjords glide by, it will become increasingly hard to believe that you were embroiled in the hubbub of a busy airport earlier in the day.
After a warm welcome at the hotel, you will have some free time to check into your rooms and just gaze out the windows (you will see what we mean when you arrive!) before dinner is served in the hotel restaurant.
Our friends at Hamn I Senja came up with the Northern Lights Lighthouse concept. Essentially, it is a traditional northern cabin known as a kota which sits on raised land behind the hotel. From this vantage point, you can enjoy 360° views across the fjords as well as the Arctic sky above. If the Northern Lights are visible then you will almost certainly be able to see them from the lighthouse. There is also hot berry juice to drink and reindeer skins to relax on. All in all, it’s a pretty civilised approach to Northern Lights viewing.
A note on flights: flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best available fares and most appropriate schedules can be found at the time of booking. Our Travel Experts will happily provide you with a quote and arrange flights on your behalf.
* This holiday is designed to fly into Bardufoss and out of Tromsø. If you would prefer to arrive and depart from the same airport please get in touch and we will help arrange transfers to allow you to do this.
Included Meals: Dinner -
DAY 2
Guided Sightseeing, Outdoor Hot Tub & Sauna and Northern Lights Lighthouse
After breakfast, you will meet your expert local guide and depart by car along the National Tourist Route on Northern Senja. This is one of only 18 such routes in Norway which have been granted the coveted ‘National Tourist Route’ status to reflect the exquisite nature of the surrounding area. On your journey from the airport yesterday you will have enjoyed a short taste of just why it has been recognised as one of Norway’s most outstanding and, indeed, astounding routes.
You will visit the remote white sandy beach of Ersfjorden and make other stops at viewpoints and places of interest which may well have just passed you by without your guide’s local knowledge. You will be out exploring for approximately two hours before returning to your hotel for lunch.
This afternoon you will have some free time to relax or take a short walk before your evening meal is served in the hotel restaurant.
Included in the price of your trip is one visit to the hotel’s quirky outdoor hot tub and sauna. The hot tub is set in an old fishing boat located just next to the hotel. The team at Senja are, quite rightly, very proud of what they claim to be “The world’s first outdoor hot tub in a boat!”. Their promise is that this is not only a unique concept but also an unforgettable experience
The hot tub boat is available to book any time up to 23.00 and can hold up to 15 people. It is great fun and also fully licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer whilst hopefully gazing at the Northern Lights. One of our members of staff, Amy, actually sat out in the hot tub while a blizzard raged around her. Protected by warm bubbling water and a woolly hat, there was no way she was going to abandon her glass of wine for a mere flurry of snow!
Amy strongly recommends it as an unforgettable experience but she does add a note of warning. Getting out of the 38°C hot tub to take those six steps to the sauna took an awful lot of willpower!
Later this evening we have included entry to the Northern Lights Lighthouse. If you were not lucky enough to enjoy an Auroral display last night then this could be your moment. If you did see the Aurora last night, it’s time to relax and enjoy the view because the Northern Lights are ever-changing and no two displays are the same.
If you have an interest in photography is it possible to upgrade your activity this evening to a Northern Lights photography workshop. Suitable for complete beginners (or those with more experience) you will learn some of the really interesting skills and techniques which are required to successfully capture the Aurora.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 3
Landscape and Wildlife Safari and Snowshoe Search for the Northern Lights
Superlatives just fail to describe the dramatic scenery of the Arctic Norwegian Coastline. Hamn I Senja is set right in the heart of one of our very favourite parts and today you will be able to discover a different perspective during your wildlife boat safari. Your guide will take you out to some of the completely unspoilt beaches and coves located a short cruise from the hotel where you are most likely to be able to enjoy some of the wonderful birdlife and also seals who call this special part of the world home. You will be out on the water for approximately two hours and hot drinks will be served during the trip.
You will return to the hotel in time for lunch and your last afternoon is free to relax and just enjoy the striking land and seascapes.
After dinner, you will try one of the oldest ways of travelling in Arctic Norway: snowshoeing. Walking with snowshoes on for the first time feels like strapping a couple of tennis rackets to your feet. It does take some time to get used to, but once you have found your feet (as it were) there are very few places you cannot go! The guide will provide a full safety briefing and the whole group will travel at a slow and leisurely pace. This activity is designed to allow you to try something new and have some fun along the way, lasting approximately 3 hours. The beauty of using snowshoes is that it does not take much time or effort to head away to a great Aurora vantage point. Then, it is just a case of waiting and hoping that the Northern Lights will appear and reward your efforts.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
DAY 4
Hurtigruten or Express Ferry to Tromsø and Overnight
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port of Finnsnes which is around an hour from the hotel. Once there you will board the iconic Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer or the Express Ferry to Tromsø.
Hurtigruten began operating this service because, at that time, boat transport along the coast was infrequent and extremely slow. Many companies would not sail at night because there were only 28 lighthouses protecting almost 500 miles of coastline. This meant that boats could only operate during the day and it could take weeks to ferry people and goods along the coast. In 1893 the first Hurtigruten boat was brought into service and offered weekly departures along the coastal route. Nowadays, it is an integral part of the infrastructure of these small islands and their inhabitants. Hurtigruten’s fleet now boasts 13 vessels and there are daily departures along the stunning Norwegian coastline.
You will board the Hurtigruten vessel or Express Ferry at around 11.30. Our top tip here is to wrap up warm and find a spot outside, or, at the very least, next to a window. This is much more than just a transfer; it allows you a taster of this iconic route which has repeatedly been voted as the most dramatic cruise route in the world. If you are travelling via Hurtigruten, you can buy lunch on board, otherwise, there are plenty of restaurant and café options on arrival in Tromsø.
You will arrive at Tromsø this afternoon and take the short and very easy walk to the hotel (approx. 200 metres) to check into your accommodation. Please note a transfer is not included but we can arrange one in advance at a supplement. Just ask our Travel Experts for a quote.
The afternoon has been left free for you to explore this charming town at your own pace. We have already mentioned a few of our favourite things to do in the overview for this holiday but another ‘must do’ are the Botanical Gardens. It’s a longish walk (approx. 40-minutes) or the hotel can assist you in arranging a taxi (payable locally) to the most northerly botanical garden in the world. Whilst it is home to many thousands of plant species from all over the world the gardens’ speciality is plants from the Polar Regions or the high mountains. Entry is free (very rare in Norway!) and the gardens are all outdoors so please wrap up warm.
Tonight, you may wish to sample some of the local nightlife by visiting some of the bars or restaurants. Alternatively, we can book an additional Northern Lights activity if you want to really maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora. Please see the ‘Personalise’ section for your options but our two top tips here are the Northern Lights Hunt by Minibus or Northern Lights Catamaran. Our Travel Experts will be delighted to discuss them with you in greater detail.
Included Meals: Breakfast -
DAY 5
Departure
Wow, what a holiday! Hopefully today you will be feeling fully revitalised by your time spent on Senja and in Tromsø but, sadly, it’s time to head to the airport for your flights home.
Don’t worry though, we completely understand. Northern Norway is completely addictive! Just get in touch with us to discuss your next adventure. Perhaps you will visit a different region of Norway where you will discover new activities and a completely different landscape. Or, for a quite startling contrast, how about a summer trip to witness the same postcard views but this time as they are bathed in the glorious 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
Accommodation
Included in price
Hamn i Senja
Nights: 1-3
Hamn i Senja can be found on the island of Senja - an idyllic Norwegian fishing village, surrounded by dramatic mountainous scenery. This perfect, peaceful location is an absolute must for those with a genuine appreciation of natural beauty. As Norway’s second-largest island after Hinnøya, Senja can be found midway between Tromsø and Harstad and offers its guests a beautiful array of diverse island scenery with spectacular views of the surrounding fjords, islets and mountains.
The name ‘Hamn’ means harbour and the location that Hamn i Senja resides within has roots dating back to the 1880s as a traditional and plentiful fishing village. There is a wonderful historical feel as well as a perfect peaceful location directly on the harbourfront.
Hotel Facilities
The hotel offers a high standard of modern facilities for its guests.
- A stylish restaurant where you will enjoy a delicious range of home-cooked meals (including freshly caught local fish)
- The Cognac Saloon is the hotel's on-site bar which is open during reception/restaurant hours so guests can enjoy a coffee and chat with friends or relax and wind down with a cognac later on in the evening
- For those moments when you wish to relax you can enjoy the sauna and sauna chamber
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the public areas and in all the bedrooms
A range of activities can be added to your trip via the hotel such as fishing, body rafting, boat trips and whale watching trips.
Guest bedroom types
Suite: The suites have a double bedroom with an en suite bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Each suite has a separate living room offering scenic views over the harbour. Other amenities include a television, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Larger suites are available for bigger groups, however, a supplement will apply.
Image credits: Hamn i Senja, Christina sonvilla
Clarion Hotel - The Edge
Nights: 4
Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’ and is an excellent base to transfer to your memorable activities.
Hotel Facilities
- Enjoy great views of the brilliant architecture of the city as it reflects in the waters just outside the hotel or head to the 11th-floor sky bar – the only one of its kind in the city – for a vista like no other (open Thursday to Saturday only)
- The hotel puts great emphasis on being eco-friendly and is built with an environmental classification A.
- Keep up with your fitness in the onsite gym with stunning sea views
- Enjoy a delicious meal at your culinary home from home, The Living Room
Room Facilities
- Twin/Double Rooms: the hotel offers standard double rooms as well as a standard twin room (two single beds). All rooms are ensuite and come with WiFi, minibar, iron and ironing board.
- Deluxe Double/Junior Suite/Family Room: for larger groups, we can offer an upgrade to a deluxe double (sleeps up to 3 persons) or a junior suite or family room for 4 people.
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards.
Personalise
Personalise this tour
Our pick
Northern Lights Dog Sledding on Snow (Tromsø)
From £210pp
Dog sledding and Northern Lights hunting are two of the most-loved Arctic experience and tonight, you will experience both in one trip (if the Aurora conditions are favourable).
Your evening starts with a transfer to the dog sledding camp, around 35 minutes away from where you will meet with your expert guide and loyal team of dogs.
After receiving full instructions on how to mush, you will set off into the night, keeping an eye on the sky at all times in search of the Aurora. You will travel two people per sled, with the chance to swap drivers during the activity. The sled ride will last approximately two hours and upon your return to the camp, you will have time to thank your dogs before enjoying warm drinks and snacks around the campfire. As you swap stories of the night’s adventure, your guide will also be helping you search the skies for the Northern Lights. You will return to Tromsø at approximately 11 pm.
Duration: approximately 6 hours, including transfers
Available: November to March
Please note this trip is suitable for those with good fitness levels.
Image Credit: Active Tromso
Other options
Activities
Northern Lights Chase (Tromsø)
From: £176pp
Tonight takes you out of the city lights in search of an incredible Northern Lights display.
Travelling by minibus allows you to outrun any potential cloud cover and go further in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide will use the weather forecast and their expert knowledge to determine the best location for potential viewings.
Upon arrival at your chosen spot, you will keep warm by the campfire and enjoy warm drinks and a local meal as your guide helps you look for the lights. If conditions are favourable and they do make an appearance, you can also get tips on how to capture the moment on camera. Your guide will also be taking photos which will be provided to you. The activity starts at 6pm.
Duration: Between 6 and 9 hours depending on weather conditions and including transfers.
Available: September to March
©Ricardo Torres
Northern Lights Sailing (Tromsø)
From: £152pp
Chase the Northern Lights from a unique vantage point out at sea.
You will set sail from Kirkegata 1 in Tromsø and pass through the stunning fjords, away from the city lights and in search of the Aurora. A professional skipper will help you in your quest, advising you on what to look out for in the dark sky. If the Northern Lights start to appear, you will have one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Your boat is well-equipped with a comfortable heated saloon, toilets and safety suits so you will stay dry and warm.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours, including transfers
(Please Note that this trip is only available until 11th March.)
Image Credit: Pukka Travels
Reindeer Camp Dinner with Northern Lights Watch (Tromsø)
From: £160pp
Go in search of the Northern Lights whilst gaining an authentic insight into the Sámi people - the only indigenous people of Europe.
Your evening starts with a transfer to a local reindeer camp where you will meet with traditional herders who will tell you all about their lives here. The Sámi reindeer herders will introduce you to their animals and you will have the chance to feed them.
You will then be invited inside the Gamme (a Sámi hut) to warm up by the fire and enjoy a traditional three-course Sámi meal.
Following your dining experience, you will be invited to a Lavu (Sámi tent) to gather around the fire and listen to stories about the culture and life as a herder. Your guide will also perform a traditional song, called a joik, as you wait in hope of a Northern Lights display. You will be out for approximately 4 hours tonight, including transfers.
A minimum of 2 people is required for this activity to run.
Arctic Ocean Bathing (Senja)
From: £58pp
Going swimming in the Atlantic Ocean is not something that any sane person would normally have on their wish list during a holiday. At Hamn, they have invested in some state-of-the-art survival suits which will keep you afloat and surprisingly warm and dry in this unique activity!
Some people wish to just lie back and float around whilst gazing at the stunning scenery around them whilst others may wish to splash about and enjoy some competitions and races – the harbour is big enough for everyone to enjoy this remarkable experience in their own way. Afterwards, you will have use of the sauna.
©Hamn i Senja
Body Rafting in a Maelstrom (Senja)
From: £141pp
A short boat ride from the hotel there is a small ocean inlet which creates a maelstrom (a whirlpool naturally created by a current in the sea or in a river) with a top speed of around 7 knots. Once you have reached the inlet you will enter the water (wearing an insulated survival suit which will also keep you afloat and normally almost completely dry!).
This activity is completely safe and suitable for all levels of fitness and swimming skill. You will be accompanied the whole time by qualified guides and a boat with a skipper who will follow your journey as you lie back, relax and just go with the flow (quite literally). There is something very freeing about completely letting go and enjoying the truly stunning scenery as you float along with the current. You just have to look at the pictures in the gallery for this holiday to see the backdrop to this magical activity.
Please note: there is a minimum of 4 participants for this activity.
©Hamn i Senja
Northern Lights Photo Course (1.5 hours)
From: £15pp
If you would like to learn more about how to capture the majestic Aurora Borealis on film (which is not as easy as you may think) then this photo course may be an ideal add-on to your trip. A local expert will assist you in setting up your camera and offer some of the tips used by the experts to give you the best chance of coming back from your trip with some pictures to really wow your friends and family!
©Hamn i Senja
Trip Extensions
Extra night at Senja
There are few places we can think of as more relaxing and tranquil as Senja. If you are looking for somewhere just to get away from the world, recharge your batteries and unwind then this would be very high on our list.
Read more about this activityThe fantastic food and extremely comfortable accommodation mean that you will want for nothing during your time here.
There are also some additional activities which can be arranged if you would like to repeat an activity or try something new, be it fishing or body rafting Senja has plenty to keep everyone busy!
Please contact our Travel Experts for a quotation.
Reviews
Traveller Reviews
Friendly & enthusiastic guides
17 February 2022
by Karen Lipscomb
Dominique our activity guide at Senja- “Pocket rocket” full of enthusiasm and knowledge Riccardo the Hotel Restaurant manager: picked us up from the airport, settled us into the room, always had a friendly word in the restaurant. Daniele; photography guide- excellent advice and appreciated his enthusiasm The waiters Martin and his colleague were friendly helpful and nothing too much trouble…
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Amy-Lee the Huskie expedition lead- endless patience with our inadequacies! Andy Marshall- really appreciated his advice in the planning.
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An excellent trip, and it was great to get three nights of good Aurora plus four days of clear blue skies.
07 March 2019
by Daniel Booker
The food at Hamn I Senja was excellent, although it was a little strange to pick two out of three courses each evening. The trip dossier was very informative and the trip followed the plan well. Staff at both hotels were very good - enthusiastic and helpful. The evening snowshoe aurora hunt was fun, and seeing the scenery on the minibus tour & the boat was spectacular.
Would highly recommend both the holiday and your company.
03 January 2019
by Jeremy Stonehouse
We had a fabulous holiday. We did see a wonderful display of the Northern Lights at Senja. Despite horrendous weather, a break in the cloud around midnight for 45 minutes did the trick. Beautiful.
From start to finish it was excellent
30 December 2018
by Rosemary Mallon & Andrew Fergus
We appreciated the effort that was made to allow us to add additional days and locations to the original package. The individual we were dealing with listened to what we wanted and made valuable and helpful suggestions. The holiday was amazing itself particularly the 7 days in Inari. The hotel was faultless and the guides there were truly excellent as were all of the hotel staff. From start…
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to finish it was excellent.
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We had a very nice stay in the hotel
25 February 2018
by The Del Rosario Family
We had a very nice stay in the hotel. We were lucky to be there during a solar storm and saw the aurora borealis each night we were there.
Highly recommend
31 January 2018
by Helen and Clifton Lloyd
Highly recommend anyone to use The Aurora Zone when booking a holiday. Very helpful, knowledgeable staff who give it the personal touch. Dog sledding was the most fun. The dogs were lovely and the staff made us feel very welcome. Would love to go back again maybe in the summer for a different type of holiday.
This was a very enjoyable holiday
18 January 2018
by David and Gail Worley
Whole holiday excellent. We need to go back to Tromso, we didn't get enough time there, we didn't realise how much you can do there or how much we'd love the place. Whilst nothing was 5 star it was very nice and had a charm all of its own. Friendly staff. This was a very enjoyable holiday, well conceived and delivered by you, thank you! Passed our holiday itinerary to 3 colleagues already as it…
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was so good and can't wait to get back there. Hopefully to find the whales which were much further north this year, selfish creatures (-:
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Senja - Isalnd Auroras
12 February 2016
by Neil Partridge
The holiday was memorable, the location awesome and 3 nights out of 4 the Aurora was mind-blowing.
Congratulations, you run a fantastic service
10 January 2016
by Ryan Harkins
All information given before booking the trip was fantastic. All booking documents, travel documents, etc were sent very quickly and were full of information and easy to navigate. Looked after brilliantly while we were at Senja. Food choice - there was none, set meals, except breakfast. Regardless of above, food was beautiful, fresh and above all different! Ingvil/Ingrid (local guide) was…
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brilliant, and a lovely person to talk to whilst trekking for views of the lights! Activities were great fun, and very impressed with the level of care and equipment provided. The hike to see the lights was very basic. I do not mean this as a negative - something so simple was just brilliant. Sitting down after you've climbed, having a cup of tea and some chocolate whilst the guide described the area and the lights, was a truly unique experience. Especially with the lights across the sky. All staff at Hamn I Senja are so polite and accommodating, it really added to the overall experience. From initial enquiry to trip back to the airport in Oslo, this was one of the most enjoyable holidays I have had. Congratulations, you run a fantastic service.
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